SCHENGEN VISA – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is a Schengen visa?
A: The Schengen visa is a visa that allows some NON-EEA citizens to travel between most
countries within the EEA (European Economic Area) (and Switzerland) using only one visa.
Please note, the UK and Ireland are not part of the Schengen area. If you wish to visit the
Republic of Ireland please check the visa information section on the Irish Consulate website www.dfa.ie/irish-consulate/edinburgh
Q: Where can I travel with a Schengen visa?
A: The following countries are currently active Schengen visa members:
Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxemburg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Source: www.schengenvisainfo.com
Q: How can I apply?
A: You need to check the Embassy/Consulate website of the Schengen country you wish to
visit (if visiting more than one Schengen country, please check information below about
“Where to apply?”). The Embassy/Consulate website should have all the information you need
to apply for your visa.
Documentation required and application form may slightly vary depending on the Schengen
country you are applying to visit. You need to make sure you check guidance on the relevant
Embassy/Consulate website.
Q: Where can I find out more information about the Embassies or Consulates for
Schengen countries?
A: You can find a list of Embassies/Consulates in the UK here –
www.gov.uk/government/publications/foreign-embassies-in-the-uk
Going to France? As of 18 November 2015, the Consulate General of France in Edinburgh
no longer receives visa applications. To apply for a Schengen visa to visit France, you need to
contact their outsourced partners TLS contact London or TLS contact Edinburgh.
Further information can be found on the French Consulate website –
www.ambafrance-uk.org/-Visas-563-
Q: Where do I apply?
A: It depends on the place(s) you plan to visit.
If you want to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or
Consulate of that particular country.
If you intend to visit several Schengen countries with a main destination (the country in which
you intend to spend the most time during your trip to the Schengen area), you must apply at the
Embassy or Consulate of this particular country.
If you plan to visit several Schengen countries without a main destination, you should apply at
the Embassy or Consulate of the country which is your first entry point.
Q: When should I apply?
A: You should apply for your visa at least 15 days before your intended travel dates but no more
than 3 months.
Q: How much does it cost and what supporting documents would I need?
A: Information about the documents you will need to provide can be found on the
Embassy/Consulate website of the country you are visiting. Useful guidance can also be found
on the UKCISA website –
www.ukcisa.org.uk/International-Students/Immigration-/Other-immigration-matters/Schengenvisas
Q: Do I need travel insurance?
A: It is essential that you organise travel insurance, otherwise in the event of an emergency or
injury that requires you to return home, you may need to cover all costs.
Q: Will I need any additional documents from the University?
A: You can request a Student Status Letter from Pegasus (personal tab); this is the only
document that the University can provide for your application. You should refer to the
appropriate Embassy website to see what additional documents may be required.
Information and Advice Team (Strathclyde University)
05 February 2016